ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED END EFFECTOR
A surgical end effector can comprise a first jaw, a staple cartridge supported by the first jaw, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples removably stored therein, a second jaw comprising an anvil, wherein the second jaw is rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the anvil is configured to deform the staples when the staples are deployed from the staple cartridge. The surgical end effector can further comprise a sensor configured to detect when the anvil is in its closed position. The second jaw can be rotatable relative to the first jaw toward a closed position and the surgical end effector can comprise detection means for detecting if the anvil is in its closed position.
1 - 17 . (canceled)
18 . A surgical end effector system, comprising:
a first jaw;
a staple cartridge supported by said first jaw, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples removably stored therein;
a second jaw comprising an anvil, wherein said anvil is configured to deform said staples when said staples are deployed from said staple cartridge;
a closing system configured to rotate said second jaw relative to said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;
a sensor configured to detect when said second jaw is in said closed position; and
a firing system configured to drive said staples from said staple cartridge after said sensor has detected that said anvil is in said closed position.
19 . The surgical end effector system of claim 18 , wherein said sensor comprises an analog sensor.
20 . The surgical end effector system of claim 18 , wherein said sensor comprises a digital sensor.
21 . The surgical end effector system of claim 18 , wherein said sensor is positioned in said first jaw.
22 . The surgical end effector system of claim 18 , wherein said sensor comprises a proximity sensor.
23 . The surgical end effector system of claim 18 , wherein said staple cartridge is removably seated in said first jaw.
24 . The surgical end effector system of claim 18 , further comprising a cutting member configured to move relative to said first jaw.
25 . A surgical stapling system, comprising:
a shaft;
a first jaw extending from said shaft, wherein said first jaw is configured to support a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein;
a second jaw comprising an anvil, wherein said anvil is configured to deform the staples when the staples are deployed from the staple cartridge;
a closing system configured to rotate said second jaw relative to said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;
a sensor configured to detect when said second jaw is in said closed position; and
a firing system configured to drive said staples from said staple cartridge, wherein said closing system and said firing system are distinct.
26 . The surgical stapling system of claim 25 , further comprising said staple cartridge.
27 . The surgical stapling system of claim 26 , wherein said staple cartridge is removably seated in said first jaw.
28 . The surgical stapling system of claim 26 , further comprising a cutting member configured to move relative to said first jaw.
29 . The surgical stapling system of claim 25 , wherein said sensor comprises an analog sensor.
30 . The surgical stapling system of claim 25 , wherein said sensor comprises a digital sensor.
31 . The surgical stapling system of claim 25 , wherein said sensor is positioned in said first jaw.
32 . The surgical stapling system of claim 25 , wherein said sensor comprises a proximity sensor.
33 . The surgical stapling system of claim 25 , further comprising a housing, wherein said shaft extends from said housing.
34 . A surgical stapling system, comprising:
a shaft;
a first jaw extending from said shaft, wherein said first jaw is configured to support a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein;
an anvil, wherein said anvil is rotatable relative to said jaw toward a closed position, and wherein said anvil is configured to deform the staples when the staples are deployed from the staple cartridge; and
detection means for detecting if said anvil is in said closed position; and
means for assuring that said firing system is not operated until after said closing system places said anvil in said closed position.
35 . The surgical stapling system of claim 34 , further comprising said staple cartridge.
36 . The surgical stapling system of claim 35 , wherein said staple cartridge is removably seated in said jaw.
37 . The surgical stapling system of claim 35 , further comprising a cutting member configured to move relative to said jaw.
38 . The surgical stapling system of claim 34 , further comprising a housing, wherein said shaft extends from said housing.